top of page
Explore Art Critiques and Insights


Celebrating the Art of Peter East: A Journey Through Resilience
Peter East’s art is defined by its precision and emotional depth. His pencil sketches reveal a mastery of shading and texture, bringing simple scenes to life with a quiet intensity. Each line and shadow tells a story, inviting viewers to pause and reflect.
Mark East
Mar 154 min read


Day 3 & 4 Update Mastering Charcoal Tutorial : Techniques to Create a Stunning Blizzard Artwork.
The tutorial and charcoal piece shown here are inspired by Skelton’s photographs and Wilson’s paintings, particularly those capturing the ferocious blizzard conditions they endured on the ice. Entitled Blizzard, this artwork is my tribute to those early pioneers of polar exploration.
Mark East
Mar 113 min read


Day 1 & 2 Mastering Charcoal Tutorial : Techniques to Create a Stunning Blizzard Artwork.
The tutorial and charcoal piece shown here are inspired by Skelton’s photographs and Wilson’s paintings, particularly those capturing the ferocious blizzard conditions they endured on the ice. Entitled Blizzard, this artwork is my tribute to those early pioneers of polar exploration.
Marco
Mar 66 min read


We are looking for artists age 55+
Want to apply to become a resident artist? Complete the Application Form Here Calling all Artists we are looking for you In a world where many artists struggle to find a platform to showcase their work without incurring hefty fees, The Eyecon Gallery emerges as a refreshing alternative. Launched by artist Mark East (aka Marco), this innovative gallery is changing the landscape for creators, allowing them to focus on their art rather than the burdens of technology and commissi
Mark East
Feb 212 min read


The Global Online Art Market reaches an estimated value of $12 billion.
The art world is shifting rapidly. Online art galleries have grown in popularity, offering collectors new ways to discover and purchase art. More and more high street galleries are closing, driven by a 12% drop in sales and high operational costs. The major change however has been the shift in digital purchasing forcing the closure of many smaller spaces.
Art Club Admin
Feb 84 min read


Kingfisher Bird Pastel HIDI GUIDE 5 Working with Pastels
Learn how to create a stunning pastel kingfisher drawing in this detailed “Kingfisher Bird Pastel HIDI Guide 5 ” This step-by-step guide covers the materials you’ll need, blending techniques, and expert tips to bring bright bird colours to life in pastel art. Follow each stage working with pastels from building the eye to feather details and finishing touches. Some of the products you will be using are Faber-Castell Pastel Pencils, Cassart Pastel, Zestit and Clairefontaine Pa
Mark East
Jan 317 min read


Painting The Antarctic Silence: A Tribute to Dr Edward Wilson
This blog explores the process and techniques I used and shows below my own rendition of Dr Edward Wilson’s watercolour of McMurdo Sound
Marco
Jan 136 min read


“Cat”: A Pastel Eye & Fur Texture Tutorial
Learn how to bring a cat’s gaze to life: a step-by-step pastel drawing tutorial showing how to build texture, light, and reflection
Mark East
Oct 7, 20253 min read


Painting A Timeless Icon in Watercolour - Land Rover Defender
Land Rover a timeless icon in watercolour by Art Marco. The vehicle in the painting resembles the Land Rover Defender, a direct descendant of those early models. With its iconic boxy silhouette, upright stance, and rugged functionality, the Defender carried forward the DNA of the original Series I, II, and III models.
The Defender became more than just a farm vehicle—it became a global workhorse. From traversing the African savannah to climbing the Scottish Highlands, it p
Mark East
Sep 20, 20252 min read


The Old Wreck at Dell Quay, Chichester
An in-depth look at painting the old wreck at Dell Quay, Chichester: process, materials, challenges & beautiful photography in watercolour.
Mark East
Sep 16, 20255 min read


Recreating Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler: Acrylic Beach Dancing Tutorial & Tips”
Learn how to recreate Jack Vettriano’s iconic The Singing Butler as Beach Dancing in acrylics. Explore transformative twists, sky techniques
Mark East
May 15, 20256 min read


Learning Watercolour Techniques from Thomas Girtin’s Morpeth Bridge
Discover Thomas Girtin’s watercolor techniques through a step-by-step guide to painting Morpeth Bridge. Perfect for watercolor newcomers
Mark East
Nov 12, 20244 min read


Step-by-Step Watercolour Landscape Painting: Alicante Rooftop Vista Tutorial
Learn to paint a watercolor landscape with this step-by-step guide. Discover washes, composition tips, and how to create an Alicante rooftop
Mark East
Sep 7, 20246 min read


Croft Castle Revisited the Development of a Watercolour
Croft Castle is just outside Yarpole near Leominster. Situated on the English-Welsh border, it’s an ideal location for watercolour artists
Art Club Admin
Feb 11, 20243 min read


Fun in the Poppy Field.Learning from Monet. An art tutorial
I paint for fun, the challenge and the enjoyment and I improve my technique from Masters like Monet. Whilst I sell some of my finished paintings, I don't lose any sleep if they don't sell. For me this art tutorial “Fun in the Poppy Field” is more about constant improvement. We can all learn from the masters and Monet is one of the best. If what I produce expands my knowledge and others can learn from it then that gives me the confidence to keep going. We all learn by example
Mark East
Jan 22, 20247 min read


Everyone can draw and everyone can paint.
Let me start by saying up front, everyone can draw and everyone can paint. The problem is how much time you are gong to put into practicing and honing your newly found skills.
You will read about cool and warm colours, perspective, composition all of which will put you off right from the start. Well don't be, it happens to all of us. I retired some 3 years ago, I hadn't painted since junior school and that was with my fingers and hand , according to my 89 year old mother.
Mark East
Jan 4, 20246 min read


Watercolour Painting in the Brockhampton Estate
A traditionally farmed estate run by the National Trust the Brockhampton medieval manor house is an ideal place to visit for inspiration.
Mark East
Jan 2, 20241 min read
bottom of page